As per the 2025 Census, which Indian state now hosts 891 Asiatic lions, marking a 32% increase from 2020 numb… - Bihar NHM CHO-2025

Bihar NHM CHO-2025

General Knowledge

Easy

Appeared in: Bihar NHM CHO-2025

Explanation

Gujarat is the only state in India, and indeed the world, that serves as the natural habitat for wild Asiatic lions.
The majority of this lion population is concentrated in the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary and the surrounding landscape in the Saurashtra region.
The question's data reflects the real-world success of conservation programs; the lion population in Gujarat grew from 674 in 2020, and a 32% increase aligns with the reported growth trends, resulting in a number close to 891.

Option A: Rajasthan is famous for its population of Bengal tigers, particularly in wildlife reserves like Ranthambore and Sariska, but it does not have a wild Asiatic lion population.
Option B: Maharashtra does not have a natural, free-ranging population of Asiatic lions. Its wildlife sanctuaries are known for other species like tigers, leopards, and various herbivores.
Option C: Madhya Pradesh is known as the 'Tiger State' of India due to its large tiger population. It also recently became home to African cheetahs translocated to Kuno National Park, but it does not host Asiatic lions.

Visual 1: Map of India - A map highlighting the state of Gujarat and pinpointing the location of Gir National Park to visually reinforce it as the exclusive home of Asiatic lions.
Visual 2: Infographic - An infographic showing the population growth of Asiatic lions in Gujarat over the last few censuses (e.g., 2015, 2020, and the projected 2025 number) to illustrate the success of conservation efforts.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain General Knowledge: Wildlife Conservation in India as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
General awareness of national heritage and environmental issues, such as the conservation of endangered species like the Asiatic lion, is an important aspect of a well-rounded education.
Questions on wildlife, national parks, and conservation projects are common in the general knowledge sections of various competitive examinations.
This topic highlights the success of India's wildlife conservation programs, which is a matter of national pride and global significance.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key subject of the question, which is the 'Asiatic lion' and its population in an 'Indian state'.
Access your general knowledge about India's major wildlife species and their primary habitats.
Recall the fact that the Asiatic lion's only natural habitat in the wild is in Gujarat. This is a unique piece of information that strongly points to the correct answer.
Use the process of elimination for the other options. Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are famous for tigers, not lions. Maharashtra also lacks a native lion population.
The numerical data in the question (891 lions, 32% increase from 2020) serves as a confirmation. You don't need to know the exact numbers, but knowing that the lion population in Gujarat is successfully increasing makes the data plausible and reinforces the choice.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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